Many of you may remember Dash: The four-year-old Cane Corso was a staff favorite who spent over a year at the ASPCA. In April, he was featured in our Adoption Spotlight, and soon after that, he found a forever home. We recently checked in with Dash’s adopter to see how this “gentle giant” is enjoying his new life, and we are thrilled to bring you an update today. Here is Dash’s Happy Tail. 

In April 2014, the NYPD rescued Dash and three other dogs from extreme cruelty in Queens, New York. He was brought to the ASPCA Animal Hospital, where he arrived with severe skin disease, stomach issues and a timid but kind personality. Dash spent the next eight months in the hospital, where he received weekly baths to soothe his skin and melatonin to calm his nerves. It was clear that this special boy needed some extra TLC, so ASPCA Veterinarian Dr. Jasmine Bruno offered to take him in as a foster pet.

In Dr. Bruno’s home, the big brindle pup continued to come out of his shell. “Dash is an incredible dog who I would say is the perfect definition of a ‘gentle giant,’” Dr. Bruno reported. “He can be a little shy at first…But all he wants is a companion that will give him the same amount of affection that he gives non-stop.”

In April 2015, Dash’s time under our care passed the one-year mark. We wanted so badly to find him a forever home, and fortunately, Angelika P. of Newton, Pennsylvania, came to his rescue. “I wanted to give a less fortunate animal a home where patience and love were a given,” says Angelika, who had previous experience fostering dogs rescued from abuse. She was also looking for a large-breed dog because she wanted to help fight misconceptions and educate people about their potential. “When I saw Dash on the website, I immediately knew he was perfect,” she says.

Already a pet-parent to a mixed-breed pooch named Lushbrick, Angelika was eager to meet Dash in person.  She and “Lush” met him at a park, and he instantly felt like part of the family. “Everything about his personality was awesome, and Lush instantly picked up with him, wanting to protect him from other dogs. Not to mention, he’s such a handsome boy!”

Angelika adopted Dash on April 28, and since then, he has proven to be everything she had hoped for and more. “It amazes me how Dash evolves more and more every day. My family and I seem to be constantly saying, ‘Wow! Did you see what Dash did today? He never does that, or he’s normally scared of that!’” she says with pride. And he has definitely found comfort in his new home—Lushbrick won’t leave his side (and he won’t have it any other way)! Angelika says, “Dash is a real-life BFG (Big Friendly Giant).”

Reflecting on Dash’s difficult past, Angelika says, “It breaks my heart that people who cannot be responsible for their pets break that trust with abuse, neglect or abandonment. I wanted a rescue dog to know commitment, and above commitment, to know unconditional love.” We think she’s given that to Dash in spades, and for that we are so grateful. Congrats, Dash!